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August 1, 2013 Minor League UpdateGames of Wednesday, July 31st
Pitching Prospect of the Day: Jamie Callahan, RHP, Red Sox (Low-A Spinners): 6.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K. The 18-year-old had been struggling in 2013, but in his last two starts he’s given up one hit and struck out 17 over 12 innings. He features a low-90s fastball and a 12-to-6 curve. Anyone who holds his opponent hitless with a shiny strikeout-to-walk ratio has to be pitching prospect of the day.
Position Prospect of the Day: Austin Hedges, C, Padres (High-A Lake Elsinore): 3-5, 2B, HR, 3 R, 4 RBI, 1 K. Known for his defensive prowess, Hedges has yet to get into a groove at the plate thus far this season. The Padres don’t seem too concerned—they announced before the game that he’ll be heading to Double-A.
Other notable prospect performances on July 31:
“The Good”
Marcus Stroman, RHP, Blue Jays (Double-A New Hampshire): 6.2 IP. 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 13 K. Stroman can rack up the strikeouts with a wipeout slider and fastball that can touch the high-90s. Unfortunately, he doesn’t get much plane on his fastball (he stands 5’9”) and will most likely be destined for the bullpen, albeit as a late-inning reliever.
Allen Webster, RHP, Red Sox (Triple-A Pawtucket): 6.0, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 12 K. Webster has bounced back from two subpar starts with two good ones. It’s promising to see the walk column feature something other than a crooked number, as he can be prone to losing his command and control.
Ji-Man Choi, DH/1B, Seattle (Double-A Jackson): 2-3, 2B, GS, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2 BB. After crushing the Cal League, Choi hasn’t missed a beat since being promoted to Double-A. In his last 10 games, his triple slash line is .378/.477/.730. Because he’s a DH/1B, he’ll need to mash all the way up the chain.
Nolan Fontana, SS, Astros (High-A Lancaster): 3-4, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K. Many scouts believe Fontana can become a super-utility type at the highest level. After watching him for several games, I have to agree. He has a very good eye at the plate and the ability to play SS/2B and 3B in a pinch.
Zach Borenstein, OF, Angels (High-A Inland Empire): 4-4, 2 2B, 2R. It’s time for Borenstein to move to Double-A; he triple-slashed .438/506/.781 in July. He’s hit at every level so far.
Max Stassi, C, Astros (Double-A Corpas Christi): 3-4. 3B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI. Another game, another appearance on the MLU for Stassi. Fun fact: that was the second triple of his career.
“The Bad”
Travis d'Arnaud, C, Mets (Double-A Binghamton): 0-4, K. Not the worst day in the world. d’Arnaud just needs to stay healthy.
Bubba Starling, CF, Royals (Class-A Lexington): 1-4, K. Okay, now I’m being mean, but Bubba really needs to start (or learn) to hit quickly in order to stay on prospect lists. The tools are still huge.
Brian Goodwin, CF. Nationals (Double-A Harrisburg): 1-5, 4 K. Former first-rounder who’s striking out way too much.
“The Takeover”
Just kidding—I’m filling in for Zach Mortimer today and tomorrow while he’s busy doing some amateur scouting. Zach will be back Monday.
Chris Rodriguez is an author of Baseball Prospectus.
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Free Agent Watch: Week 18
Can we make the temporary "takeover" permanent? Loved the insight and crisp analysis provided in an "easy to read" and understand manner
Settle down there.